Nowadays Georgia is becoming a favorable study abroad destination for international students and a lot of questions about how to study in Georgia and Georgian universities came up. This country has a rich cultural and educational history. Obtaining a very low crime rate, the country which has a long coast on the black sea is one of the safest in Eastern Europe. Georgian universities attract international students with a wide range of opportunities, various study programs and incredibly low tuition fees compared to other European universities. The system is still developing: offering European teaching standards the country plays a leading role in the Caucasus region.
Why to study in the country of Georgia?
1. Worldwide recognized degrees.
Nowadays Georgian higher education system offers individuals world-wide recognized educational programs. Those who have graduated from Authorized Georgian universities get the diplomas issued by Georgian universities which are accepted around the world. Wide variety of programs are accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science and other international bodies. You can find the list of the accredited programs here.
The country is signatory of the Bologna process, which means that the degree and diplomas from Georgian top universities are accepted in Europe and other countries (46 countries) around the world.
2. Quality education and easy admission.
The higher educational system of Georgia is increasingly developing and growing. Providing first class services the country has put itself on the map. Every year, new courses and study programs are introduced.
Georgian universities, however, make the admission process quite simple as the requirements are not difficult to obtain. Georgia has soft conditions for the acceptance of international students: in most cases there’s no need of enrolling exams or providing English language proficiency certificates (IELTS, TOEFL or other international exams). On the other hand, without good knowledge of language (your English language proficiency should be between B2-C1) studying in university will be difficult.
Moreover, Georgian universities are easily accessible and the majority of the programs offered are taught in English. The thousands of foreign students studying in Georgia’s well established universities experience exciting study experience and opportunity to broaden knowledge of the professional field they apply for: medicine, science, law, social and political sciences, humanities, and arts or something else.
3. Affordable Tuition Fees.
The tuition cost varies from university to university and degree program to degree program, however it is cheaper than in other countries in the developed world. To study in Georgia for foreign students is affordable compared to many European higher education institutions in the west that offer the same quality. A year tuition fee could vary depending on educational programs and university.
Georgian universities are both governmental (state) and private, and they charge yearly education costs. The Costs for courses offered for Georgian citizens or taken in the Georgian language, varies from $700 to $3,000.(an average fee of 2.220 gel)
Courses taught in English for foreign students are more expensive. Tuition for foreign students ranges from $2,500 to $5,000. There are a few exemptions for specific programs such as Medicine or Business Administration.
Cost of living in the cities of Georgia is also low. The monthly life expenses including accommodation, food, utilities is up to $300.
Higher education system in Georgia
Higher education in Georgia consists of three stages: bachelor (BA), master (MBA) and doctorate program(PhD).
Types of higher education institutions: In Georgia, three types of higher education institutions are available:
University — institution of higher education which carries out higher educational programs of all three stages.
Teaching university — carries out higher educational program/programs (except doctorate programs).
College — institution of higher education which carries out only the first stage educational program of higher academic education.
Universities in Georgia
There are 60+ authorized higher education institutions in Georgia but not all of them are accredited universities. There are some established universities which give foreign students access to potential education and are eminent abroad. Speaking of famous universities we can list a few of them: Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU); Georgian Technical University (GTU); Ilia State University (ISU) and of course Tbilisi State Medical University (TSMU) along with some private universities such as Caucasus University, Grigol Robakidze University.
All the above mentioned are located in Tbilisi, on the other hand, there are other institutions in Kutaisi and Batumi as well : Akaki Tsereteli State University in Kutaisi, Batumi state University etc.
Most of the universities have partnership directly with first class schools all around the globe.
Tbilisi State University - TSU
Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University in short (TSU) established in 1918 is the first national university in the country and the first higher education institution in the South Caucasus region. The University offers excellent education and research centers. With an outstanding academic reputation and being famous for upbringing generations of students TSU continues the tradition and remains a comprehensive European higher education institution.
TSU offers 7 Faculties and an international school of economics (ISET) with over 200 accredited academic programs in various educational fields serving almost 22,000 students. TSU is ranked among the best universities in the world providing first class education.
Georgian Technical University - GTU
This university located in the capital city Tbilisi, is one of the earliest universities in Georgia.
It is also ranked as one of the pillars of technology and science in the country. Nearly 60% of Georgia’s top scientists and engineers went to GTU. Georgian Technical University has a good international reputation with excellent scientific works. The campus locations within the city with 9 facilities and unique study programs in technical fields. Watch The Nomad Entrepreneur Meeting with the university vice rector below
Ilia State University - ISU
Ilia State University was founded in 2006 after the merge of six different academic institutions with a diversity of backgrounds and If you are wondering who is Ilia who the university hold his name, He is Ilia Chavchavadze a famous Georgian writer and politician. ISU is a multifunctional educational and research institution. This institution is a mix of modern and traditional visions.
It offers different bachelor programs : school of law, arts and sciences, natural sciences and engineering and business school.
Caucasus University - CU
Internationally accredited private university with well-equipped campus. CU consists of various schools: Business, Law, Media, Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Governance, Tourism, Medicine and Healthcare, New Cinema and Economics Schools. Caucasus University has well-established relations with many of the top European, American and Asia universities.
Tbilisi State Medical University - TSMU
Last but not least with The biggest accredited medical university in the region educating and upbringing the generations of medicine workers. It offers 8 different programs and study at clinics as well. International students choose Tbilisi State Medical University as a priority as there are many advantages of studying MBBS there.
Why is Georgia especially a popular study abroad option among Indian students?
Here are some reasons:
1.The medical universities in Georgia are recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI)
2. availability of places in Government owned universities at a low tuition fee;
3.The infrastructure available in the universities is world-class; This helps students in developing their skills for subsequent years.
4. MBBS in Georgia had one of the highest FMGE passing percentages
5.Students have the chance to go to the American and UK hospitals after having completed their studies.
6. MBBS in Georgia offers education in English Medium. This is the biggest key to affordability of the Georgian higher education system.
the biggest question:
Is MBBS from Georgia valid in India?
For an MBBS degree received abroad to be valid in India, the University and it’s degree has to be recognized by the Medical Council of India. Majority of universities in Georgia are recognized by the MCI. For more information visit the MCI website.
What are the admission requirements?
The duration of a bachelor’s program is for 3 to 4 years (6 years at medical school). To grant the right of studying in Georgia a citizen of another country ( foreigners, who have received a complete general or corresponding education and have studied for the last 2 years in another country) has to provide following documentation along with the application form:
1. copies of all pages of the document certifying citizenship;
2- A document certifying the receipt of a complete general or corresponding education in another country;
3- written consent of the head of the educational institution chosen by the applicant regarding the possibility of admitting an applicant.
NOTE: The application fee varies depending on the study program and university, it is non-refundable and equals around 100 USD.
The length and the terms of the application process depending on the university. Mostly, it takes a few days to score the interview.
Before taking admission you should know that the academic year is divided in two terms in Georgia: fall and spring. So the application deadlines to the study program should be announced by the host university.
It is better if you communicate with the representatives of the university before taking admission, to be sure about the important dates, qualification you are required to have as the eligibility criteria vary from faculty to faculty.
Students visa to Georgia
The visa policy of Georgia became comparatively liberal, allowing citizens of 98 countries to enter and study in Georgia without the necessity to obtain either a visa or residence permit. Those who are from above mentioned countries have easy access to study here.
International students who are going to study in Georgia should apply for an immigration visa. For detailed information please find: The official governmental website for the ministry of foreign affairs of Georgia
Scholarships
There are many scholarship opportunities for foreign students in different forms: tuition waivers, grants, fellowships, full funding or partial funding.
Different universities offer scholarships to students who have shown outstanding academic qualities in their program.
Student jobs
Foreign students can part-time alongside their studies. However, they must be aware of the fact that it is a complicated process. One of the major barriers for many foreign students who seek to work and study in Georgia is that the absolute requirement of being employed in the country is to be able to speak Kartvelian (Georgian).
Students who pursue jobs must obtain residence permits after their first year of residency in the country.
Meanwhile, there are many freelancing job opportunities that do not require knowledge of Georgian. There are many investors who offer jobs online which might be favorable for students.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing Georgia as your study abroad destination guarantees potential growth in your career. Studying in beautiful grounds of Georgia gives you an opportunity of integration with numerous nationalities, getting prominent, globally recognized education. Experience living in a country with developing democracy. The distinctive mission of every particular university is to help students to achieve their goals, maintain personal development and use their full potential. The diversity of the studying atmosphere is one of the major strengths of higher education in Georgia. Majority of graduates understand the importance of quality education which enables them to succeed in their profession. Be the next one to join in the community of international students in Georgia and experience the advantages of this priority. If you are wondering about getting a residence permit in this beautiful country, make sure to read this article: How to get a residence permit in Georgia
